Kronfeld pinpointed a significant evolution in tactical approach, which he believes stems from changes in offensive strategies. He reminisced about a time when the game emphasized pre-contact ball movement, a skill set he feels characterized the All Blacks' play in the past.
"Rugby as it should be is to have a really good understanding of the beauty of passing before contact,"
He discussed how the arrival of players like Jonah Lomu signaled a shift towards powerful running centres, transforming the way teams approached the midfield game. This evolution, according to Kronfeld, has had profound effects on the roles and expectations of the loose forwards, diminishing the emphasis on specialized roles within the back row.
"Loose forwards now are all about retention at the breakdown to the extent you don’t have a genuine openside, or a six [blindside] or eight. The specialist thing has gone out the door, especially in New Zealand. A six, seven, and eight now tend to be all the same style of player,” he explained.
Kronfeld expressed his frustration upon seeing Luke Jacobson, who he describes as a phenomenal player capable of filling any position in the back row, starting at openside flank against the Stormers in Cape Town. Despite Jacobson's impressive statistics in ruck clear-outs and at the breakdown, Kronfeld feels that his deployment in this role is indicative of the broader shift away from traditional positions.
The omission of Du’Plessis Kirifi from the All Blacks squad further underscored Kronfeld’s point. Despite Kirifi's outstanding performance with the Hurricanes, his specialization as an openside flanker didn't align with the current team strategy, revealing a lot about the new tactical preferences.
"For New Zealand to leave behind Du’Plessis Kirifi after an amazing season with the Hurricanes says everything. He is a specialist openside, and he didn’t really fit into what they were thinking."
This shift in back row dynamics, as Kronfeld observes, reflects broader changes in rugby strategy that impact how teams are built and how games are played. It raises important questions about the future of rugby's tactical diversity and the preservation of specialized roles within the sport. As the game continues to evolve, the balance between specialized skills and versatility will likely remain a key area of debate among players, coaches, and fans alike.
